Research
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| Granodiorites | Volcaniclastics |
The multi-disciplinary team of geoscientists are establishing a nested set of observatories designed to address a set of specific hypotheses that are related to the following overarching question; How do critical zone processes and the flow and transformations of material differ in landscapes with contrasting bedrock but similar climates, land use and geologic histories?
Specifically, the observatory is quantifying and comparing critical zone (CZ) processes in landforms and watersheds underlain by granodiorites and volcaniclastics. Previous research has demonstrated that these are some of the most rapidly eroding watersheds in the world. There are also dramatic, but poorly quantified, contrasts in CZ processes between areas underlain by these bedrocks.
To quantify these differences, the observatory is developing a hierarchical and nested sampling design and compare processes in paired pedons, hillslope catenas, riparian zones, small, and mid-size watersheds that are underlain by each rock-type. Atmospheric inputs, weathering rates, rates of saprolite and soil development, and the flow of water, sediment, stable isotopes, chemicals, and trace gasses are being quantified and will be modeled. Our initial research is focusing on landforms and watersheds that have different bedrock but similar climate and land use. Eventually, CR processes will be compared under all combinations of state variables (bedrock, climate, topography, and land use).
